On August 16, 2025, an unforeseen event involving a Frontier Airlines Airbus A320, bearing tail number N365FR, led to considerable delays at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. During routine pre-departure activities on the ramp, a ground air-conditioning hose was drawn into the aircraft’s #1 engine, where it was subsequently torn apart.
Flight F93134, intended to travel from Charlotte to LaGuardia, faced significant disruption due to the damage, which rendered the aircraft inoperable. Passengers were later accommodated on a substitute aircraft, departing approximately nine hours after the scheduled time.
Incident Overview
Aviation reports indicate that the Airbus A320 had landed earlier that day from Philadelphia, operating as flight F92387, arriving at 10:25 AM. As preparations were underway for the flight to New York, the engine’s powerful suction pulled in a ground air-conditioning hose. The hose was shredded upon contact with the CFMI LEAP-1A26 engine, prompting swift action from the ground crew, who conducted an immediate inspection.
View video footage of the incident in the comments section below.
Aircraft Specifications
- Aircraft Type: Airbus A320-251N
- Tail Number: N365FR
- MSN (Manufacturer Serial Number): 9340
- First Flight: June 12, 2019
- Engines: 2 x CFMI LEAP-1A26
- Aircraft Age: 5.7 years
Initial reports mistakenly identified the aircraft as an A321, but it was later confirmed to be an A320. No injuries occurred, and Frontier’s operations team managed the situation with efficiency.
This incident underscores the inherent risks of ramp operations, yet the adherence to robust airline and airport safety protocols ensured the safety of all passengers and staff was maintained.
